Princess Leonor did not appear during the French presidential visit to Madrid, sparking questions about her role in official ceremonies. Experts argue her gradual introduction to state duties is deliberate and rooted in protocol, not oversight.
Emmanuel Macron and his wife Brigitte landed in Madrid for a rare state visit. King Felipe and Queen Letizia met them at the Royal Palace. They led the ceremonies, hosted the gala, and handled the diplomatic details. But Princess Leonor, the 20-year-old heir, was missing.
This was not a scheduling issue. Leonor studies political science at Universidad Carlos III in Madrid. Some expected her to take a bigger role at major state events. The royal household never promised that. They only confirmed she would keep up her current institutional duties. Official information from the Spanish Royal Household made it clear: the program for Macron’s visit on September 29–30, 2026, listed only the King and Queen as hosts. No events included Princess Leonor or Infanta Sofia.
The Macron state visit was the first official trip to Spain by a French president since Nicolas Sarkozy in 2009, highlighting the rare and highly protocol-driven nature of the event.
Protocol expert María José Gómez Verdú, author of ‘Protocolo POP’, sees Leonor’s absence as intentional. Not a mistake. “Her absence in the recent visit of the Macrons has reignited debate about her involvement in major institutional events,” Gómez Verdú says. She believes protocol would allow Leonor to attend some official or cultural events. That would give her real experience with the duties she will one day take on.
But not every royal event needs the heir. “A state visit does not necessarily involve all members of the royal family. These are structured occasions where the Kings act as hosts and the meetings serve specific diplomatic objectives,” Gómez Verdú explains. The palace gave no official reason for Leonor’s absence. That is normal. It does not mean she is being sidelined. The real focus is on how she is slowly being brought into the royal agenda. Spanish media, citing the published program, confirmed that neither Princess Leonor nor Infanta Sofia were scheduled for any part of the visit.
Every time Leonor appears in public, it is a careful decision. “In protocol, presence is not about quantity. It’s about appearing in the right context with a clear function,” Gómez Verdú says. She notes that a gala dinner could become a turning point for Leonor’s public role. But only when her responsibilities in international relations and royal representation have grown.
During the official gala dinner, President Macron made a special mention of Princess Leonor and Infanta Sofia in his toast, acknowledging their status even though they were not present at the event. This gesture underlined that their absence was noted and respected within the official rhetoric.
For now, the royal plan is simple. Every public role Leonor takes must have meaning. Gómez Verdú suggests she should appear more at cultural, scientific, educational, and youth-focused international events. That would help her build a real profile. She would not just be a companion to the Kings. The aim is not to put her everywhere, but to give her a clear agenda that matches her future as queen.
As reported in previous analysis by Russpain, the Macrons’ visit was a showcase of Franco-Spanish ties at a tense time for France. The heir’s absence from such a high-profile event stands out. But protocol rules the day.
Leonor’s main focus now is her university studies. Gómez Verdú says her readiness for the throne will not be measured by how often she appears in public. It will depend on the meaning and timing of each appearance. In monarchy, symbolism and timing matter more than being seen everywhere. The Spanish royal household is sticking to a plan. Leonor’s public image will grow step by step. Each appearance will strengthen her position as heir. Overexposure is not the goal.
